In the "Ask Linda" columns I answer questions from readers who are uncertain how to proceed correctly under the Rules of Golf. No names are used – all questioners are referred to as Lulu (or Lou, in the case of male writers), in honor of the smart and sassy comic character.
Please send questions from your personal golf experiences to: llmillergolf@gmail.com.

Thursday, February 19, 2015

Ask Linda #1001-Nudge ball twice on teeing ground

Hi Linda,

After teeing my ball up, I knocked it off by accident with
my 3 iron as I addressed the ball. I was aware this wasn't a penalty, so now
intended to put the ball back on the tee. But my tee was now at an angle, so to
dislodge it completely before teeing up the ball again I used my 3 iron to try
to gently nudge it out of the ground. However I missed the tee and hit the
ball, and it rolled forward and off the front of the tee (about 15 meters).

Does this count as a stroke or should I go and pick up my
ball and place it back on the tee again?

Thanks,

Lou from Chicago

Dear Lou,

The ball is not in play until you intentionally try to hit
it from the teeing ground. That is why you do not count a stroke when you accidentally
knock it off your tee. Neither do you count a stroke when you inadvertently
move the ball while trying to dislodge your tee. Re-set your tee in the ground,
replace your ball, and start afresh. Your first stroke on the hole will be your
first real attempt to hit the ball.